“He will not play, according to multiple sources who know about his healthy status right now,” Garafolo said. “And it goes a little further than that. He’s got a neck issue, he’s been getting checked up, he’s has multiple opinions, and I’ve been told by those sources that Kam Chancellor — what’s the word you want to use? Likely? Probable? — whatever you want to use, he is likely out for the rest of the season here.”

Asked about the report Saturday, head coach Pete Carroll told reporters, “We’re still looking at what our options are and we’ll continue to do that and evaluate what’s going on. We’re working very closely with him on that.”

Carroll also clarified that Chancellor’s injury is different from the stinger suffered by defensive end Cliff Avril in Week 4 (Avril was placed on the injured reserve list in October).

If true, the loss of Chancellor would be yet another devastating hit for a Seahawks’ defense. Cornerback Richard Sherman saw his season end with a ruptured Achilles in the same game.

Safety Earl Thomas, who has missed two games with a hamstring strian, could start for Monday night’s home game against the Falcons. His return would free up Bradley McDougald to fill in at strong safety for Chancellor.